MLA Welcomes Alli Wilson—Living and Working the Good Life in San Diego

This summer we are happy to add Alli Wilson to our growing roster of talent. With a Master's Degree in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon, Alli has solidified her passion for the "great outdoors." With diverse experience working for a number of architects and on a family farm, she has gained a full perspective of the business side of our work and a practical understanding of the environment.

"Having grown up in San Diego, I appreciate the outdoors and have built my career around how we as landscape architects can promote environmentally conscious, functional and beautiful environments."

Her focus and expertise is on drought-tolerant landscapes, having been an undergraduate at the University of Arizona. When she's not working, Alli is growing hops in San Diego's back country. With San Diego's booming beer industry, she'll certainly have buyers.

New Home for our Friends at the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo’s newest exhibit, a habitat for Asian Amur and Snow Leopards, is similar to other projects for the Mountain Lions and Polar Bears that we've created for the zoo in the past. Projects like these pose different challenges dealing with our furred friends. We love it, its fun and offers many benefits to the zoo and visitors alike. The new habitat opened June 4 to the public.

“One of the exciting aspects of this Asian Leopard exhibit is that it puts us in a position to be in breeding programs for all five of the big cat species,” said Stacey Johnson, director of collections for San Diego Zoo Global. The Amur Leopards are considered to be critically endangered, as there are only 300 of the cats in zoos, and just 40 individuals left in its native habitat of southern Russia and northern China.

MLA's zoo projects are special because the end-user is so different from our customary clients. Special care has to be taken in choosing both irrigation methods and plant material. Grasses need to be safe for the animals—no stickers in their noses—and we have a limited plant palette due to possible plant toxicity in case of ingestion. Irrigating the enclosures also requires creative solutions, as the animals need to be provided with shelter when plants are watered, and any equipment provided within the enclosure has to be protected.

Our plant choices were led by research into the animals’ native habitats, which vary wildly from the rocky slopes, mountain steppes and juniper forests from Russia, Turkey and northeastern China. The exhibit is, to some extent, an extension of the Panda Trek next door to it. The intention was for a seamless transition from one project to the next, in both character and plant palette.

We collaborated closely with the architects and zoo staff, especially individuals in the zoo's horticulture department. The end result is a state-of-art habitat that provides a home for the Amur and Snow Leopards, whether they are climbing across the walks overhead, or lounging in the landscaped area below.

Creating a Romantic Mood with Landscape Architecture

The La Plaza, located in famous downtown La Jolla and just blocks from their amazing beaches, is a new luxury retail center. The shopping plaza was purchased and recently redeveloped by Del Mar based, Davlyn Investments. The site underwent a complete ground-up remodel to better serve this prominent block of the village.

The property, at the corner of Girard Avenue and Wall Street, includes a series of multiple-level promenades and a central courtyard that opens to the sky. McCullough Landscape Architecture worked closely with the architect and the property owner on the design of the exterior promenades and courtyards, its furnishings, plants and site materials.

The luxury plaza has sidewalk decor surrounding two of the four sides of the property. These areas will be used as sidewalk cafés in the near future.

We're Going Native : San Diego Commercial Landscaping Goes au Naturel

Many of our most recent projects come from clients that are responding to California’s deepening drought by switching to plant palettes that use very little water. Saving water is a responsibility we all have, but it also turns out to be a smart financial decision. 

By switching out thirsty plants for thrifty ones, a property owner can quickly cut their water bill in half. 

Did you know that many native species no longer need to be watered once they are established? That means that after a couple of years, the irrigation system can be turned off completely. Thus the cost of replanting is quickly amortized by the savings.

Our clients have found that switching to native and drought-tolerant plants provides them with an opportunity to refresh a property’s aesthetic appeal in a way that pays for itself. Drought tolerant plants come in a wide variety of textures, colors and shapes. From wispy, billowing ornamental grasses to bold, sculptural succulents, there is a look to suit any taste. 

Let us know how we can help with your conservation initiatives. Call us at 619-296-3150 or contact us by email.

CONTEXT EVENT VOL. 2: SDAF’S FOCUS ON THE UPPER EAST VILLAGE

Following last year’s Context Vol. 1, held at the new San Diego Public Library, the San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF) will return with Context VOL. 2 on June 4th 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This year’s event will feature San Diego’s District Three councilman Todd Gloria who will offer opening remarks on the future of San Diego’s urban development, with a focus on the Upper East Village, where a possible development encompassing nearly three million square feet of new residences, office buildings, hotels and shops could be a reality in the coming years.

Joining in the discussion will be speakers Mary Walshok, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Programs at UCSD and author, and Jim Chappell, former president of SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Research). It is imperative that we remain vitally aware of our city’s plans and issues that affect development, transportation planning and sustainable growth. This is your city, get involved and share your ideas! Remember "you are either at the table, or on the menu.” Tickets to Context VOL. 2 will be available on April 1st.

Headquartered in East Village, McCullough Landscape Architecture is excited to be a part of the discussion at Context Vol. 2 to help build the surrounding businesses and community.